Bonnie Lee Sipes

Bonnie Lee (Burke) Sipes, 89, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away on Friday, July 15, in her residence.  She was the daughter of Rudolph and Teacel Burke, born to them on May 22, 1933 in Alma, Michigan.  She is survived by her three children, Gregory, Tamara (Bailey), and Theodore (Tadd); their spouses, Markine, Richard and Erica; five grandchildren, Chris, Julia, Nick, Ashley and Emma; and several great grandchildren. 

Bonnie graduated from Alma High School and attended Spring Arbor College, where she met her husband, Ward.  She and Ward served the East Michigan Conference of the Free Methodist Church as pastor and wife in Flint, Bay City, Midland, and Davison and also as Conference Superintendent.

Bonnie made the home and her family the center of her activities but also excelled as pastoral spouse, expressing her love for Christ through service in many local and conference-wide roles.  Hospitality was especially important to Bonnie, and the Sipes home was regularly filled with folks sharing meals and fellowship together.  She took great joy in making her home beautiful and welcoming, in setting a beautiful table for guests, and in serving flavorful and healthful food. 

Bonnie loves people.  She was a faithful and loving wife, a tender and devoted mother and an encouraging friend to very many people during her lifetime. She loved the Bible, participating in Bible Study Fellowship International for many years, and following her independent interests by creating her own studies.  Bonnie was a creative soul, enjoying sewing, various crafts, painting and interior design.  She enjoyed and celebrated the creativity of others. 

A celebration of Bonnie’s life will take place at The Arbor Church in Spring Arbor, Michigan on Friday, August 19 at 11 am, the Reverend Mark VanValin, officiating.  Interment of her cremains in Spring Arbor Cemetery will follow the service. 

The family will receive visitors the hour before the memorial service in the church lobby. 

Gifts in memory of Bonnie may be directed to Hospice of Jackson, MI or Spring Arbor University. 

https://www.henryford.com/development/make-a-gift

https://www.arbor.edu/about/offices-and-schools/advancement/give-today/

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